Shillong, Nov 27: The Meghalaya Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, has approved a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate the use of beacons, flashers, sirens, tinted glasses, and similar equipment in official vehicles. The SOP outlines the categories of officials authorised to use such features, with the aim of preventing misuse.

The Cabinet also sanctioned nearly Rs 500 crore under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to electrify households and villages that were left out of the 2011 census. This follows a request made by the state government in 2022 to the Government of India to include newly formed villages and houses under the scheme.

In another decision, the Cabinet approved a proposal for land purchase to facilitate a land exchange with Defence authorities for the expansion of Shillong airport. The expansion is intended to enable the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, and the tendering process is currently underway. The Deputy Chief Minister in charge of transport has been assigned to engage with the local community and headman to ensure smooth land acquisition.

Chief Minister Sangma said the Cabinet has given in-principle approval to move forward with the airport expansion plan.